I have a good friend who owns a small hostel listed on Airbnb in Jogja. She tells me that a lot of her guests are surprised that there are so many things that they can do when they are in Yogyakarta. I can understand why. There are so many interesting and fun activities in and around the city.
As somebody who lives in Yogyakarta, I’d like to share some of the best parts of the city with you. So to help my readers (it might be you!), I created a personalised three day two night Yogyakarta itinerary. This special itinerary covers the temples (Borobudur and Prambanan, plus some other temples), wandering the city, learning about the culture, plus a bit touch of adventure and nature.
And if you’re thinking this tour is not for me, that’s fine. I designed 8 different Yogya itineraries, ranging from 2 Day 1 Night through to 5 Day 4 Nigh, you can use to plan your vacation (make sure to check them out). In the meantime, as the Lone Ranger used to say, let’s roll.
My Yogyakarta Dream Tour
Day 1
A private car will pick you up from the airport and drop you off at your hotel. After checking into your hotel and dropping off your bags. Once you’ve had a shower and a chance to relax it’s time to explore some of the cities highlights, starting with the beautiful temples.
While there are many temples surrounding Yogyakarta, the two closest to the city are Prambanan and the less well known Sambisari. It is here at Sambisari that I’d start my first day in Yogyakarta.
Despite it’s location, a short 5-minute drive away from Yogyakarta airport, you won’t find big crowds here. In fact, there’s a good chance you will have the temple all to yourself, which gives you a chance to take everything in.
After a short visit to Sambisari temple, you can continue your journey to Prambanan temple. People usually spend 2-3 hours to explore Prambanan temple and the best time to explore it is close to sunset time, from 3-4 pm until 6 pm when you can catch the sunset.
Optional: visit Ratu Boko Palace, an 8th-century complex located on a hill approximately 3 km away from Prambanan temple. With the view overlooking the city it’s a beautiful place to enjoy sunset. Of course, if the weather permits. 😉
Evening Entertainment:
– Watch the Ramayana Ballet: This is a dance-drama performance and tells the story of Ramayana. The show is held against the backdrop of Prambanan temple (Open Air Theatre: May-October). The event, which doesn’t happen everyday, starts at 7.30 and finishes at 9.30 pm.
– Hike Merapi: Hiking Merapi volcano is one of the most fun things to do in and around Yogyakarta. I climbed the volcano twice and wouldn’t mind to climb it again in the future if I had a chance. This is an all-night climb that starts at 10 pm (pick up from your hotel). And yes, you need to be pretty fit to do the climb or do exercises (focus on cardio with elevation) at least 3 months before the climb.
Day 2
If you decided to hike Merapi volcano then you will usually return back in Yogyakarta around 12 – 1 pm. A perfect combination after climbing a volcano is a lazy day! Don’t worry, there are many things you can do in the Jogjakarta city center.
There are a lot of different things that you can do around the city centre. This includes things like visiting the Royal palace, exploring the Keraton museum and the Water Palace (Taman Sari).
Other activities to do around the town centre include shopping and eating. For local delicacies, I’d suggest visiting Wijilan street where you can try Gudeg. If you’re more into shopping then take a stroll around Malioboro to do some textile shopping and visit the Beringharjo traditional market for local spices like vanilla.
Active Itinerary
Of course, some people like to always be active on holiday. If this sounds like you then worry not, I’ve got a perfect list of activities lined up for you. All you need to do is decide on what activities most interest you (is it going to be arts and craft or adventure?).
Arts and Crafts
If you feel a little bit crafty, you can either do Batik workshop or Silver workshop. These workshops usually take 2-3 hours and you’ll be able to create your own design. The cool thing about joining a workshop is you’ll know how to make something and you’ll end up with a piece of fabric / silver ring that you created! I always love customized and personal thing.
Jomblang Caving
Visiting Jomblang cave is one of the most impressive things that I have done around Yogyakarta. It’s a real adventure (which will take you half a day). First you abseil 80 meters into a huge cave system. Once you reach the bottom of the cave you will spend the next few hours exploring. This is a really special experience and it’s something that most people visiting Yogyakarta never do (but they so should).
Day 3
You will agree with me if I say you need to be a little bit more active on your last day in Jogjakarta, right? Especially if that means having an unforgettable experience? Of course, you do. That’s why I’d suggest doing the Borobudur sunrise tour!
After visiting Setumbu hill, you will visit the temple. It’s one of the highlights of the trip and you’ll probably want 2-3 hours to properly explore everything (and take lots of photos). After exploring Borobudur temple, you can stop by at Mendut temple on the way back to town. Then a final bit of shopping and it’s time to go to the airport for your flight out from Jogjakarta.
The 3 Day 2 Night Yogyakarta Tour
I’ve created for you the tour I’d most like to do if I was visiting the city as a tourist. I promise you will have a really great time following the itinerary. Yogyakarta is a beautiful city and I guarantee that you’ll enjoy your visit here. I can help you arrange everything from hotel booking through to your own personal driver.
Interested in joining a three-day two-night Yogyakarta tour? Press the button below to get custom made itineraries.
What do you think about the above itinerary? What things would you suggest people to do in Jogjakarta that I missed?
Still need to book your hotel for Yogyakarta? Save yourself some time! Here’s a list of the best hotels near Malioboro for every budget.
How about taking them for a big ol’ box of bakpia too? With all the physical activities your tour has to offer I’m sure they’ll burn those calories off without any worries!
Hi N8, that is a brilliant idea 🙂 In fact, we can also visit the bakpia workshop and people can try to make their own bakpia. A bit of physical activities 😉
Very nice… Let’s trip…
Everything was well planned and very organized. Communication prior to the trip was incredible. During, your driver waits for you at your activities and takes you wherever you would like to go even if you did not plan it ahead of time. Definitely would recommend booking through Firsta!
Hi Gabi,
Thanks for the testimonial and choosing to organize your holiday in Yogyakarta with me. Happy to hear that you had such a great trip 😉
Let’s make a plan to Yogyakarta!
Hi Dean, yes visit and explore Yogyakarta. 🙂
After reading on Firsta blog we decided to book the tour from her, during our visit on june. She has arrange everything base on my family needs from the plan, timing, transportation , visiting, shopping and foods very love every single detail. For the most of it she has made her way to show us the beauty of the city.
Hi Sylvia,
Thank you so much for trusting me to organize your trip to Jogjakarta! So sorry I couldn’t meet you when you were in town. 🙁
Glad to hear you enjoy your holiday in Jogja! 😀
Hi there , I am coming from Malaysia and I am planning to go Yogyakarta for backpack with my friend for 5days on march 2016 so we would like ask about the different package that you are offering. looking forward to your reply thankyou .
Hi Ee Cheng, I’ll send you an email.
Hi,
Can you please email me different Yogya tour package? I will be there 10-13 Nov 2015. I will travel alone, I don’t mind to join other tour group, so is there any available slot?
Thanks & Regards,
Nelly
Hi Nelly,
Thanks for getting in touch. I’ll send you an email shortly.
Hi there! I find your website very well-organised and resourceful! I am keen to engage you to help plan my transportation for my trip from 24/12 to 27/12 with my partner. We have a rough idea what we would want to do, where we would want to go and what we would like to eat already and need your help with the arrangement of a driver.
Perhaps you can give me a rough quote on a full-day driver?
Thanks!
Hi Eustacia,
I have sent you an email 🙂 Hope you get it ok.
Hi Firsta.
I just came across your blog here when preparing on my trip to Yogyajakarta this Monday. I have 4 days to spend and still did not properly fix my itinerary yet. If you don’t mind, please help me & my friends to organise our trip, since we are a lil bit in rush.
Looking forward for your reply and can’t wait to explore your beautiful city.
Regards from Malaysia 🙂
Hi Zaki,
Thanks for booking the Merapi trekking through Discover Your Indonesia. If I can ever be of help in the future just get in touch 🙂
What if me n my friend like our tour to be as below :
Day 1- early morning lava tour, borobudur
Day 2- cave tubing in gua pindul, pantai sandrana and/or pantai indrayanti
Day 3 – kali biru in the morning
Hi~~ I am planning to go Yogyakarta for with my family for 5days 4 nights/ 4days 3nights on February 2016, Very much appreciate if can share package that you are offering? Many Thanks
Hi Firsta,
We’ll be in Jogja (2 pax) from 10 to 13 Nov. Would be interested in a full day with private car to Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boku for 11 Nov, and Goa Jomblang the 12, plus maybe batik workshop and shopping.
Looking forward for your reply.
Hi Lu,
Will send you an email shortly. 🙂
Hi, Frista,
Good day. I am from Malaysia. I am planning to visit to Yogja by early June 2016, Please propose your itinerary to me, including the comfort and safe accommodation. The min traveler would be 2 adults and 2 kids.
Hi Terence, sent you an email regarding this 🙂
Hi,
My husband and I will be in Jogjakarta from 9-13 March 2016. COuld you send me some info on your pricing and packages? Thanks.
Erin
Hi Erin,
Sent you an email regarding this 🙂
Hi,
I am navin frm malaysia..planned a trip with my fly on 3/12-8/12..need a tour plan n cost from you. But shldb not be a hectic travel as i have 2 yr old kid n senior citizen with me. So hope to hear frm u soon.
Hi fiesta ,
I’m going on group of total 5 ladies , arrival March 14-18,2016.
Can help to plan and quote, need airport pick up service too? We only booked accommodation .
arrival March 14 , 11.15 AM
Departure March 18, 5.20PM
Hope to hear from you soon =)
Hi Shear Leen,
Apologies for the late reply. I’ll get in touch through email shortly.
Hi Fista,
I’m planning to bring my family to Yogyakarta on Feb 2016. Can please share your proposed itinerary/ packages (including transportation & accommodation) price to me?,
Stay: Day 5 Night 4 & Day 4 Night 3
Peoples: 4 Adult /6 Adult
Looking forward for your reply.
Many Thanks
Hi Celine,
I sent an email to you, but unfortunately it is not delivered.
Do you mind to send me an email to: discoveryourindonesia(at)gmail(dot)com.
We have a group of 5 person will be at Jogjakarta from 31 Dec 15- 2 Jan 2016.
Arrived at Jogjakarta : 11.15AM 31 Dec 2015
Departure from Jogjakarta : 05.00PM 2 January 2015
Could you send me some info on your pricing and packages? Thanks.
Hi Peter,
I have sent you the info.. Look forward to hearing back from you.
Hi! Im Shafiq from Singapore. I was going through your itinerary and it looks awesome! I am planning to visit Jogjakarta during February 2016, so I would appreciate if you could assist in sending the different package and prices?:D I am more of the adventurous, exploring kind of person so I do have some question to ask. Hope you can get back soon! Thanks so much in advance! 😀
Shafiq
Hi Shafiq,
I sent you an email 🙂
Hi, good day!
I will be in Jogjakarta (2pax) on 10th -13rd May 2016.
Planning to visit attractions as per below:
Borobudur
Prambanan
Ratu Boko Temple
Kalibiru
Tamansari Water Palace
Timang beach
MT. MERAPI SUNSET (if possible)
Appreciate if you could share some packages that you offering.
Perhaps you can send me a rough quote on a full-day driver?
Looking forward for your reply.
Many Thanks!
Hi Suet Mun,
I sent you email with more details. 🙂
Hi,
How much do we have to pay for 2 full day tours in Jogja..to borobudur, merapi, prabanam, cave tubing n paratritis beach.
With 2 ways airport transfers and kraton n tamansari tour.
Private arrangement.
I am planning to go end Dec with my family of 5-2adts, 2teens,1chd..
Thks
CT
Hi,
I would request a 5days & 4 nights full board tour for 6 adults.
Please email me the itenary and price list
Prambanan temple, Candi Arjuna & Borobodur is the temples that we want to visit.
Tq
Hi Thanes. I just sent you an email regarding your enquiry 🙂
We are planning on visiting Yogyakarta for 2-3 days in September 2016. We would like do see Borobudur, Prambanan (possibly the ballet too )and the Jomblang Cave. We would also be looking for accommodations and driver/guide, as our main base will be in Bali. Could you share more details on a suggested timeframe and pricing?
Hi Jenn,
Thanks for getting in touch. Will send you more details through email.
My husband and I are planning on visiting Yogyakarta for 3-4 days in late June 2016 on the way to a friends wedding in Bali. We like the itinerary you have set up and would like to know more details about prices. We are traveling on a budget and would like to know if you have any suggestions about accommodations as well! We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Hi Firsta,
Can you please help me with my Yogya karta trip between 6th -7th Feb 2016. I have sent you an email. Thanks – Rajeev
Hi Rajeev, Thank you for booking through Discover Your Indonesia 🙂
Dear Firsta
We intend to fly in to Yogyakarata on around 12 or 13 February. We have a small group of about 4 – 5 friends.
We hope to cover:
1) Prambanan Temple (Sewu if possible) – sunset
2) Borobudur – sunrise
3) Mt Merapi – Jeep tour
4) Jomblang cave
5) One good Yogyakarata Beach
How many days do we need? And can you recommend some hotels (we have low to average budget). What is the cost per person for the suggested itinerary?
We need to fly to Lombok on 16 Feb.
Thank you.
Hi David,
I’ll share more details via email. 🙂
Hi good day… I am planning to go Yogyakarta with my hubby for 4 days 3 nights on February 2016, We already booked Hotel Grand Palace Yogyakarta, soo we just need tour n share pakage that you are offering? Many Thanks
Hi Zuraida,
I’ll send you an email shortly.
Hi firsta, im As from malaysia. Can you pls arrange me a jogja tour package with hotel excluded? I dont mind to join other tour group if there’s any other available slot. Or you can just help me in rent a motorcycle. But, it that save during parking?? I mean, im afraid that the motor might suddenly loss (stolen maybe) and i really dont want to waste cost to replace it. ??
With that, thanks so much firsta. I look forward to hearing good news from you soon.
Hi As,
Apologize I edit your comment 🙂 I hope that is ok.
I’ll get in touch through email.
Hi,
I will be JogJa from 29 January to 1 st February.
I will have a friend with me on the first two days and then I will be on my own from 31 Ianuary to 1st Feb (full days).
My friend and I would like to do the Borobudur sunrise tour on morning of 30 January but if we can do it, would like to see the Ramayana Ballet ( the one with dinner ?? either on 29 Jan or 30 Jan.
On my own, for 31 January and 1 Feb, I am open to ideas – don’t mind Merapi sunset or a driver who can take me interesting places further afield but I would wand sometime to shop on both days.
Hi Joo Kean Yeong,
I have sent an email to you regarding this 🙂 Look forward to hearing back from you.
Hey Firsta, I really like your suggested itinerary and I was hoping you can help me finalize mine. I am arriving in Yogyakarta on 5th Feb (Evening) and have 3 full days from 6th to 8th Feb to explore. I am a solo traveller and looking forward to a good dose of history and nature to de-stress. Please do get in touch via email and help me book cars/tours.
Sent an email to you 🙂
hi, can you send me different packages for 3days 2 nite tour and their ratesvfor yogya, thanks
Hi Jun, I’ll get in touch through email.
I had a thoroughly enjoyable experience in Yogyakarta. Thanks for recommending us which hotel to stay(Adhistana Hotel – I stayed in the 8man dorm and I had a blast interacting with other travellers.) and also helping alter the itinerary to suit our timetable. Though our itinerary is quite rushed and tiring, im glad that we were able to enjoy the places we wanted to visit. I would say the highlight was the Jomblang Cave tour and Mount Merapi Hike. Though the weather wasn’t the best to hike, the local guides were very approachable and friendly making it quite an entertaining hike up! The driver that was attached to us for Day 1 was also very friendly and we thoroughly enjoyed the conversation and day spend together with him. Will definitely visit Yogyakarta again, to hike up merapi, and also missed out visit the waterfall, flying fox pantai timang and gua pindul. There is so many things to do here so im sure adventurous people like me, will enjoy a short adrenalin rushing trip if you ever want to visit Yogyakarta. Also, people there especially the locals are very friendly and helpful. Had a good time interacting with them too!
Dear Firsta,
We are group of 4 or 5 from Malaysia going to Yogj on june 17 till 20.
We are interested in your 4d3n packages ..details and pricing inclusive of hotel and price without hotel.
Thks
Jin
Hi Jin,
Thanks for getting in touch.. I’ll send an email with the details to you.
Dear Frista
We are planing a trip to Jogja from 29th Feb to 03 March.
We arrive at Jogja in the afternoon and leave Jogja on 03 March 12:00 Noon.
We are interested in
1) Prambanan Temple – sunset
2) Borobudur
3) Mt Merapi – Jeep tour
4) Jomblang cave / Tubing on the river (if possible)
5) Royal Palace, Taman Sari, Silver/Batik Workshops, Alun Alun
No Sunrise Tours please.
The hotel is already covered.
Can you please help us with the itinerary
Hi Rao,
I’ll send you an email. 🙂
Hi Firsta!
Could you give me a quotation and plans on a 2 day-itinerary (22&23March) for my family of 2 adults and 2 toddlers?
I’m keen in sight seeing of beautiful sceneries and the magnificent temples in Jogja, so going to Prambanan Temple and Borobudur is a must for us 🙂 Somewhere that allow us to stop by and take photos from afar of these beautiful temples will also be great too. Lastly, I would also like to see padi fields or nature scenes if available.
As this is our first visit to Jogja with kids (cant do hiking/bicycling/workshops) , I dont really know much of the attraction places, do recommend other suitable places for us please.
Thank you!!
Hi Jamie, thanks for stopping by here 🙂
Sure I can help you! I’ll get in touch through email.
Ok thanks!
Hi firsta! I really like your yogyakarta dream tour. Im in for an urforgettable adventure there. Hope you could help me with our itinerary. If you may send us the package please.
We will be arriving jakarta on the evening of the 20th and we plan to be in yogyakarta by 7am on Mar21. We can stay there until the evening of wed, mar 23 or thurs, mar 24, depending on the itinerary. Hope to hear from you soon.
Hi Mon, Apologies for the late reply! Sure I can help! Will get in touch soon!
Hi Firsta,
My friend and I are traveling to JOG on friday, 25th to 28th March. Didn’t have time to plan so would really need your help to book tours/car rental. We would like to have a city tour on Day 1, sunrise in Borobudur on Day 2 then Prambanan and Ratu Boko, Jomblang cave on Day 3. Appreciate if you could send me your package details.
Thanks.
Hi Lara,
I sent you an email. Hope you receive it ok. Look forward to hearing back from you.
Hi, Firsta.
My travel buddy and I want to thank you for the incredible organization of our tour even though we added places and changed itinerary. The driver you assigned us was very pleasant and helpful. It was a most unforgetable adventure – the beautiful architecture and exotic breathtaking landscapes – beautiful in pictures but better in person. Best of the all, the Indonesian people we met along the way were all so nice, helpful and friendly. Have broadcasted your site to my friends 🙂
Once again, thank you!
Hi Gina. Thanks so much for your kind feedback. I’m glad that the trip went well and I hope you have many happy memories from your time in Yogyakarta 🙂
Hi Firsta,
3 of us are heading to Yogja after attending a wedding in Jakarta. All 3 have different ideas to what to do there, hope you could help to balance all our needs. We talked about a relaxed/ historical trail / adventure for the 3 days arriving on 22 May. Hear from you soon 🙂
Hi Yvonne,
I liked the comment and I hope I can help you arrange a tour in Yogya. I sent you an email regarding your enquiry.
Hi Firsta,
My friends and I (3 of us) are travelling to Jogja from 27-30 Jul 2016. Could you kindly email me your packages and prices, as well as recommended accommodation and places/activities for us?
Thank you!
Hi Dea. I just sent you an email regarding your enquiry. Look forward to hearing back from you 🙂
Dear Firsta,
I really like the article you wrote up above and am interested with your service. I will be going to Yogyakarta by next week for 5 days 4 nights. Can you give me a few suggestions and quotations for tours and services such as transports excluding the hostel, that you can help provide us with?
Thank you in advance. 🙂
Hi Nur,
You should have a really nice time in Yogyakarta, it’s a lovely city and 5 days will give you lots of time to explore it. I’ve sent you an email regarding your enquiry. 🙂
Hi Firsta,
I’m from the Philippines, I’ve been reading your blog since i have decided to go to Yogyakarta with my family.
I need to book everything in Yogya with you, private transpo, private tour as well. please email me so i can consult you what’s best fit our schedule.
thank you very much!
Hi Hayley,
I’ve always wanted to visit the Philippines. I’ll have to do it some time in the near future 🙂 I just sent you an email in response to this comment. Look forward to hearing back from you.
Hi Firsta,
I’m from Malaysia, i would like to get the price list and also the package that offered by you. 😀
Hi Feekrey,
Thank you for getting in touch. I’ll send you an email. 🙂
Hello firsta… salam from malaysia. Can i get the price list and package that you offer for 5N6D… thank you..
Hi Yati, you can find all the Yogya Package tours and the prices on this page.
does your package tours include accommodations already?thanks. pls rep on my email.
Hi Apple Banez, it doesn’t include accommodation.
Hi Firsta,
My friend and I only have 2 full days in Yogya we are visiting in Mid August. We already have our hotel booked.
Do you have a list of packages you can suggest?
Thanks
Hi Nimita. I’d recommend checking out this list of package tours.
Hi Firsta,
Happy to stop by your blog, my partner and 1 are planning to visit Yogjakarta on 6-9 Oct 2016, (reach 6 oct early afternoon and 9 Oct early morning flight).
our 1st thought of itinerary would be
1st day: tour around town attraction, sultan palace, shopping street, and cultural show
2nd day: sunrise at borobudur, visit temple, ratu boko, Prambanan, jeep tour at mount merapi
3rd day, visit cave, cave tubing, some relaxing tour at city or beach… spa
4th day: early morning pick up to airport.
basically that our idea, of course you may propose some to add on or adjusted based on the suitability of visit location.
hope to hear from you soon. kindly let us have the package detail and accommodation price list
Hi Ong, I will get in touch through email.
Hi Firsta,
hope to hear from you soon.
Hi, may I ask how much would it cost me if I will avail the 3DaY Trip? I dont mind to stay in guest houses. I am a female solo traveller, backpacking in Asia so I am really on a budget so please offer me a really good deal. Thank you so much!!!
Hoping for your quick response 🙂
Hi Tyne. You can find a selection of Yogyakarta tour packages here along with the price. Let me know if any of them interest you.
Hi Firsta, me and my family, intend to travel from 28-30 Oct, we have 2 young children, 2 teenagers and 5 adults, can you help in planning our itinerary ?
Hi Jamie,
I’ll send you an email. Thanks.
Hello Firsta, my friends and me plan to go to Yogyakarta for 5D4N. We arrive around 6 at night. All girls and not really into physical trip such treaking hahaha. So can u help us in planning our itinerary? We might rent a car thou
Hi Lidya, we sent you an email. Look forward to hearing back from you.